With my first of many visits to the local high school this past week to speak to grade 10 students about a career in the world of photography, I created a new collection of last years student work as part of the presentation. As with every visit, their overall response, especially to the grad (and travel) photography portions was well above the bar. I can only hope that through these visits, I may inspire even a little and give fuel to these young, impressionable and open minds.
As I have become more adept at the "speaking circuit", I find myself talking not only about the potential ups and downs of one select industry (photography), but share an underlying message to these students to open up, give life 100%, and not be afraid to make that step. I let them know that the confusion and life change that haunts the mid teen is natural, absolute direction is a gift for the few, but the key is to never stray far from the path and, if you do that, someday your end goal will be reached.
Here's to all those stepping out this year....:-)
